The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-01-23
THE STATE LIBRARY.

A communication in last Sundays Sentinel,
on the subject Of the State Library, gave the
facts in regard to that institution with much
clearness. The article was evidently written
by one familiar with the subject, and proved
conclusively that whatever may be the imper-
fectons and deficiencies of the library, they
are in no wise due to any lack of care or atten
ton on the part Of librarians Of recent years.
On the contrary, it was shown that these IL
brarians have been not only careful custodians
of the books placed in their charge, but have
displayed excellent judgment and business
ability in the outlay of the scanty funds at
their disposal for the purchase of new works.
It is the testimony of not only this writer, but
of all who have had occasion to use the library
years, that it was but barely rescued in time
from the needless custody of male librarians and
placed in the hands Of women. A continu-
ance of the former system Of management
would, it is believed, soon have completed the
wreck already begun. What is needed for the
institution is an appropriation sufficient
with the libraries Of other States, and
to supply books. the lack of which now tend
to make its title, Estate Library" MISSIONER.
A bill providing for such appropriation and
approved and recommended by the State His
torical Association, which thoroughly under
stands the needs of the library, isnow will be
brought before the Legislature, and will doubt
less receive careful consideration. Another bill
pending, includes, with a provision for a
larger appropriation, proposal to transfer the
appointment Of the Librarian from the Legis-
lature 70 the State Board of Education. This
plan is open to so many objections that it is
not likely to be regarded favorably by any mem
Der Of the Assembly who gives it serious
thought. BY the placing of the appointment
of Librarian in the hands of the State Board
of Education the purpose and character of the
library will inevitably be changed. This State
board is a nondescript body with no very
| closely defined powers, but with certain du-
l
ties to perform which place it nominally at
| the head Of the public school system of the
States. Nearly all the mem bers of the board
are school men, and the library under their
| control would be under limitations
which were not intended and are assuredly
not desirable. The State library has not,
and should not have any connection with the
| school libraries of the State; but should be
built UP on broader foundation, and with
reference to the needs of the lawmakers in
particular, and of the public and State ir
general, as was the original intention. The
sole purpose of the proposed change seems tx
be personal one and is based upon the mar
row and contemplate idea that the library
which is likely to be placed on better foot
ing and become of greater Importance to tn,
State, should necessarily be under the manage
tons necessary for State Librarian; and as
matter of fact, the women who have had charg
Of the institution during the last score O
years have unquestionably demonstrated the
superiority to their male predecessors. TIL
State Board of Education scheme is the out
growth of mixture of literary dilletantee
ism and personal selfishness